Mr. Staguhn's writing is in turns dry detail and conspiratorial conjecture. Reading the book, I felt as if some revelation was imminent. I plowed through the tedium toward ... no grand revelation. In the end I realized I had encountered many small discoveries instead. While ideas in "God's Laughter" are original, if at all, only as a collection, they make fertile material for contemplation. This is a book not enjoy reading but to enjoy having read.

GOD'S LAUGHTER: MAN AND HIS COSMOS by Gerhard Staguhn was originally published in German in 1990 as *Das Lachen Gottes.* While I consider this book worth reading, the contents make the most sense to me if the book is read as a prelude to the question whether God might properly be considered as a person who suffers most from the status "until then he is always condemned to comedy" as described in section 273 of BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL by Friedrich Nietzsche. GOD'S LAUGHTER is quite sophisticated about physics, which advanced in a truly spectacular fashion in the early twentieth century up to the point when further developments became secret, mostly due to Soviet and American military applications, or subject to more than the usual hypothetical doubt. The idea of Stephen Hawking that finding at least one complete theory which accounts for the creation of the universe "would be the ultimate triumph of human reason--for then we would know the mind of God," (p. 239) is subject to the conclusion, "In the end, all theory up to and including the quarks can be seen as a specific form of mythology." (p. 239). The physics of subatomic particles and high energies is at least as difficult to grasp as modern theology, or even philosophy since Kant, so the real question might be who is more adept at dealing with the usual level of confusion about things.

The index of this book lists only the names of particular people, not their ideas, so it is difficult to use it to locate signs of decline like neutron bombs or the ultimate collapse of a star "into some kind of neutron slush." (p. 210). Chapter 7, "Even Stars Must Die: Red Giants, White Dwarfs, Black Holes," describes what is expected to happen in "star ovens" as their density and temperature keep climbing. The ultimate description of ourselves as previous stars is "With the exception of hydrogen, all the atoms--or rather atomic nuclei--of which we are made were once located inside stars that subsequently exploded as supernovae." (p. 209).

Nietzsche is in the index, and gets credit for the desire "to regain this world after God and the next world had been lost." (p. 32). Written a hundred years after Nietzsche's books, this book is not afraid to admit that German ideas "betrayed his own life-affirming philosophy; thus providing a direct path to the nihilism of our century, which found its most terrible manifestation thus far in Nazi ideology." (p. 33). Some of the results of physics were pretty terrible in the twentieth century, too. Instead of taking such a gloomy view of reality, it is more cheerful to admit that Nietzsche had some amazing ideas that relate directly to the title of this book, and to the novel, LAUGHING WAR by Martyn Burke:

*Todlachen* said Sam Senior one day when they sat together in a booth too close to the jukebox. It means laugh till it kills you. It's a German word. Oi, God too has a sense of irony. (Burke, p. 34).

Nietzsche pictured that laughter most powerfully in Part Three of THUS SPOKE ZARATHUSTRA, at the end of the section called "Of Apostates." (Penguin Classics, translated by R. J. Hollingdale, p. 201. THE PORTABLE NIETZSCHE, p. 294).

The conclusion of this book exhibits a modern level of sophistication. "As with relapses into mythical and mystical thinking in past epochs, here, too, a deep religious exhaustion leads people to expect solid proof for the unprovable. In a way, modern science adds fuel to this hope." (p. 238). Though it is rarely mentioned, theology is still ticking, and Paul Tillich gets credit for saying, "This is the God Nietzsche said had to be killed because nobody can tolerate being made into a mere object of absolute knowledge and absolute control." (p. 246). Readers of this book might not be aware of how limited any outlook based on ideas seems in a comparison with a monstrosity of teeming feelings which exceeds the scope of consciousness even more than this book, for GOD'S LAUGHTER is rather puny compared to the vast scope of Nietzsche's work. The funny thing is that any decline in philosophy since the time of Nietzsche might have been intentional as far as everybody was concerned, so help me God.

I was flipping through the library stacks yet again on my continuous quest for knowledge. Just when I gave up, I spotted this strange,little book. I didn't think it would be much, being that it seemed to be one of those religious-type books, and anything that involves religion just turns me off. Boy, was I mistaken! "God's Laughter" turned out to be one of the most eye-opening books I have ever read. It not only gives a fascinating account of the history of metaphysics, but asks an interesting question: do the seemingly unrelated disciplines man has used to understand Ultimate Reality have more in common than we think? Are they really different points of view, or are they really pieces of an even larger puzzle? This question is at the heart of Staghun's book--to eradicate the prevailing Western prejudice that science and religion, two ways of seeing the world, are somehow mutually exclusive of each other. By finding and demonstrating commonalities in Zen Buddhism, Einstein's theory of relativity, and the discoveries of certain noted astronomers, Staghun makes a convincing argument that it is only when we combine science and religion in our search for our understanding of the universe that we will finally get any real answers. If you want a beginner's guide to metaphysics, especially one as moving and well-written as this (Staghun really wants you to see the world as beautifully as he does), get this book! It'll be worth your while!

This guidebook has some positive features, but ones that would probably best serve someone already familiar with the layout of San Francisco. First, the book divides its sections according to neighborhood without much integration between them or of the city as a whole. This is acceptable if one is already familiar with San Francisco's geography, but would frustrate someone trying to get a sense of how the different parts of San Francisco fit together. Indeed, the only attempt to present what one should consider covering in a trip to San Francisco seems to be a scanty two-page afterthought.

Second, the book does not offer much help as a resource when actually touring the city. The walking tours lack interesting detail about history or architecture and instead quickly note interesting sites. The maps are lousy, as one has to already know where the neighborhoods are to make sense of the maps within each section. The maps also lack detail, as few of the sites listed in the text are actually marked on the maps. The information regarding dining and lodging is frustratingly coded from budget to ultra-deluxe-instead of just listing prices in the text, the guidebook requires readers to decipher code by flipping back to the introduction where the terms are explained or to memorize them.

That being said, the guide offers much for other users. The walking tours cover interesting ground, the guide highlights less frequented sites, and useful information such as websites for attractions of interest are included. Thus, I would recommend using this guidebook at home and sketching out where you want to go, but leave it at home when you go (as its bulk is more useful at home to decide where you want to go, but of limited value once you are actually there). In particular, the book is a great resource for Bay Area residents to consult regarding parts of the city they may wish to brush up on or to lead guests to less obvious sites in San Francisco that often slip one's mind.

This guide scored an A+! Every place it suggested was great, and the information was always helpful. We had this book, Lets Go, Zagat San Fran (which didn't even have many of the recommended restaurants listed), and Fodors. This one was by far the best. By then end of our 2 week trip, we had stopped using all the other books. I ended up giving all but this one away. The only thing I would change is the maps. They were not very detailed. I would recommend getting this book and then a detailed San Fran and surrounding area map from a gas station when you get there.

On my first visit to Northern California, I depended on this guide for help in choosing lodging, restaurants and places to visit. As a result, my vacation was very enjoyable! Recommendations were very solid, and arranged in a logical order. The focus on out-of-the-way spots was very valuable and helped us spend time on the most unique and rewarding activities. I can't wait to spend more time in Northern California, and will definitely take my well-worn copy of "Hidden...." along.

With its long chapters, long paragraphs and densely packed small point text, this book is neither a quick nor an easy read. You cannot simply pick up this book in a spare five minutes and expect to polish off a section of a chapter - you'd be lucky to read two pages.

The reader will have to set aside significant time, sit down (with a drink), and take time to read and understand what is going on. To this reviewer, this spoils the whole essence of reading novels.

The book starts off with chapters alternating between the two main characters, Saturnino Barcena and Stuart Haydon. Haydon is a Houston detective, albeit with an affluent background and family connections with Mexico City. His life is interrupted by the daily receipt of a photograph that seems to hint at his families' past in Mexico. When he receives a photograph of himself taken the previous week with a trajectory line of a bullet entering his head added to it, he takes some time off and goes down to Mexico to try and work out what is going on.

Unfortunately, when he reaches Mexico City, things start to become increasingly confusing, both for Haydon and for this reader. There are a lot of characters who suddenly become involved in this part of the story, all of whom have connections with all of the others. Haydon seems to spend most of his time driving between the residences of these people, which quickly became very disorientating for me, trying to keep track of who's who and where they are in relation to each other.

I read another review of this book somewhere where the reader suggested that a map of Mexico City marked with the various locations referred to in the story would have been a great help in their understanding and I fully second that particular motion. I'm not sure how much a map would contribute to my understanding of this book, but it would certainly have helped.

Don't make this the first David Lindsey book that you read, as the two other books by this author that I have read ("Mercy" and "Requiem for a Glass Heart") are much better. I hope the other half dozen are too.

This is an exceptional novel. The writing is amazing, the story grips you from start to finish. Lindsey does an excellent job of capturing the feel of Mexico City. Its uniqueness transcends the novel. Mexico City is the star here, her allure remains long after her beauty has faded. Stuart Haydon is Lindsey's best protagonist and he is at the top of his game here. Be forewarned this book is not for the squeemish, but none of Lindsey's books are. If you are someone who enjoys great writing and riveting suspense you will not be disappointed.

Previous reviewer lucas (uk) needs to read more often. This is an involving and satisfying read and as with all of Lindsey's works the reader gains a real feel for the characters and for the complexities of human situations...if you're willing to take the time to get involved with the lives you're being introduced to. Am really looking forward to his newest...The Color of Night.

This is a very good book for someone interested in the biology, habitat & distribution of these endangered animals. Excellent illustrations & photographs. I highly recommend this book for someone who wants more than a field guide!

I took a class on manatees and read several books on manatees and I found this one to be the most substantial and informative. I highly recommend it.

Great book! Beautiful pictures and great info!

I am interested in the broader issues of the natural history of the region and find the Cichlid speciation fascinating. I never really thought about it but it seems to me that the formation of the world's 2nd largest body of fresh water from upland tropical streams would naturally result in a setting favorable to rapid speciation. Nevertheless, the book could have benefitted from better editing. I am not a biologist, so some of the biological descriptions were tough slogging. I am more than a little bit confused by the definition of every new looking fish as a species - we have lots of different looking dogs, from chihuahuas to Great Danes, which in some sense occupy different 'ecological niches', but these are not different species. I wonder whether the hundreds of different Cichlid species identified in Lake Victoria really evolved in that short of a time period, particularly since their ability to interbreed was not discussed. As a geologist, I would have liked to see more description of how the lake formed - I believe the lake formed in the last 12,000 years from tectonic uplift on the flanks of the Western Rift - and this should have been presented. Also, what do we know about the Cichlid species that lived in the upland streams 12,000 years ago that would have provided the rootstalk for the lake 'species flock'? I also would have liked more figures, maybe even a color plate or two. All of these criticisms aside, this is a 'must-read' book for people interested in Darwinian evolution. The two themes that are central in this book - tremendous diversification if not speciation of Cichlids over the past 12,000 years and extinction of Cichlids over the past 15 years following introduction of the Nile Perch - is a fascinating and fundamental 'fish story'.

Darwin's Dreampond is a story written on several levels. On one level, the story is about the speciation and extinction through predation by Nile perch and human fisherman of hundreds of cichlid species in Lake Victoria. At the end, readers get some relief with indications that new species are developing to replace those lost.

On a another level, the book is the intellectual adventure of a field zoologist trying to understand cichlids by reviewing evolutionary ideas and observations in other species and applying them to what he is observing. So, in addition to cichlids, readers learn about DNA, how natural selection creates evolution, the benefits of sickle-cell anemia, mimicry in butterflies, sexual selection in sticklebacks, the niches of different species of vultures, life among Tanzanians, and more.

People who appreciate good writing should know that the original Dutch version was nominated for two science writing awards and one literature award. It won one of the science writing awards.

This is one of those rare science books that combines wonderful science with excellent, well-imagined and carefully executed writing. The book focuses on the cichlids of Lake Victoria and seeks to explore why there are so many species of these fish living in one location. This "species flock" is under pressure and species are fast disappearing--they may be, as a phenomenon, one of the great natural wonders of the world.

The facts about the fish alone are amazing. There is no end to the amazing features and abilities these creatures have developed. Their variety is overwhelming. And it is described here in an incredibly poignant way that fills you with wonder at the power of evolution and variety of life on earth.

Goldschmidt has such a huge and inquistive mind that contemplating fish alone is not enough--life in all its forms seeps in. He connects his bout with malaria to a discussion on recessivity, the marital situation with his asstistant to the topic of sexual selection, the concepts of adaptive radiation with the culture of the area. It is a book that links scientific inquiry and insight with real life interactions, with the work and conditions of being a scientist, with the landscape and people around him. You get a sense of what the work of a field biologist is like and at the same time,you are introduced to some of the more technical aspects of evolutionary biology. And it is all done with enormous literary flair and affection for the subject. This is the kind of book that makes you rethink your career and sign up for as a volunteer to do field work.

Anyone interested in ciclids, evolutionary biology or just great nature writing will enjoy this enormously.

Everyone knows that H.G. Wells has written some great books that are classics not only of speculative fiction, but of literature itself. However, as anyone who has delved deeper into his canon knows, he also wrote many books of far lesser quality. This book starts out quite slowly and awkwardly, and, at first, I thought it was going to be one of those books; but, as I got deeper into the book, it became more interesting and fascinating. Wells's prose style, merely fuctionary at the best of times, is particularly awkward and trying at the start of this book. It does, however, improve much as the story goes on. Even if you find this book slow going at first, my advice to you is to stick with it: the last 50 pages or so are classic Wells, and find him at his most poetic and striking. This book finds Wells in the mode of social commentary that he tended to feature in his novels after the turn of the century; and, if his position on the issue presented in this book is not as abundantly clear as that in some of his other works, it nonetheless makes for fine reading. Not a first-class Wells novel by any means, and, though you should read a good handful of his books before beginning on this one, you will eventually want to pick this up if you are a fan of Wells.

Ever the visionary, H.G. Wells here presents the reader with a study of the classic conflict between Science and Man. I could never really figure out where Wells stands on this issue in these pages, and perhaps he sits on the fence, providing convincing arguments on both sides of the struggle. Interestingly, the book begins with a number of biting, satirical remarks about science and scientists; they are called men of "obvious littlenesses" who cannot see outside the bounds of the narrow world they live in; their "greatness" only inspires dislike among their peers and translates not at all to the masses. I was in fact rather shocked to see Wells characterize men of science in such a forcible way. In terms of the story, two scientists discover the recipe for a growth agent which they see as a great benefit for the future life of man on earth--food sources can be grown in exceedingly abundant numbers, thus providing for the welfare of all men. They set out to experiment by purchasing a small farm and feeding the new food, spontaneously dubbed Food of the Gods, to a number of hens. Unfortunately, the pair hired to see after the farm are quite inefficient, and the food finds it way to a number of unfortunate locations. Huge wasps appear to terrify the local community; the hens eventually escape and run amuck, gigantic creeping plants begin to take over various areas of land, and then gigantic rats torment the local population. The farm and its creations are forcibly cleaned up, but the story by no means ends there.

The two scientists continue work on the food with the intent of controlling its use, but a neighboring doctor forces his way into their lives and launches a public campaign for their product. This, plus the fact that the food continues to find its way to different places (with the resulting consequences of huge new pests and pestilences) contributes to a growing public reaction against the food, a movement that will eventually place a "giant-killer" in political control of the country. Meanwhile, for reasons I never really understood, the sons of the scientists (as well as a few more children) are given the food and eventually grow in excess of forty feet tall. The story actually becomes quite powerful when describing the lives of these young giants. While some are totally isolated and, for a time, "controlled," others actually attempt to do things for the "pygmies," such as building houses, creating reservoirs, generating electrical power. In every case they are chastised by the people, who complain about property rights, zoning laws, and other things that the giants simply don't understand. The giants look at the population and see homelessness, perpetual drunkenness, poverty, and other social ills, and they want to help; sadly, every attempt to serve is met with more consternation and increased restraints on their movements. Eventually, the anti-giants league takes power and sets out to rid their world of the giants through either exile or war. Their first victim is a poor young giant who tired of the perpetual work he was compelled to perform and set out to see the life he had been hidden from. He cannot understand humanity at all, and his questions about normal life are ignored; his end is tragic and frankly a sad indictment on mankind. The novel does not end very satisfactorily--the lines have been drawn, but the ultimate outcome of the struggle is left unanswered. To have continued the story would have required Wells to take a stand on the issue, and I don't think he was confident enough in his own opinions to do so.

The novel begins in an almost humorous tone but ends quite seriously and tragically. Both sides of the scientific argument are given a full say in matters, and the great tragedy is that no one wins in this story. The most innocent victims are the giants themselves; they alone seem to recognize society's ills and make an effort to improve the lives of their fellow men despite the harsh treatment they receive for their efforts.

H.G.Wells wrote a special novel,with science fiction(which is getting closer and closer to fact every day),definite characters(the scientists and the townfolk are definite personalities),social commentary(can 6-foot people and 40-foot people accept one another?)and human feelings(the tragedies of Bensington and Caddles are truly touching).

This book is totally lacking in credibility. It has been discredited by other more trustworthy sources. Frankos story on the Hoffa murder, for one, is a total fabrication. Please, do some research (read "The Westies," for instance, a much more jouranlistically credible source) and you will find that this book is FICTION disguised as fact. That is, if you care.

Alot of storys in this book are hard to belive. I read alot of other mob books and they all Have different versions to the same story. A good gangster book is WISEGUY or read the UNDERBOSS . it seems to me as if this guy just wants to be important. But overall its a good book.

Great account of a real-life tough guy and hitman. This book provides an insider's look into the mob and various prisons. Also, detailed accounts of murders and the planning that goes into them.

Just got a copy of this for Christmas; latest printing I believe.

I haven't tried to make a folder yet, but I might give it a go soon. However, I'll be buying some other book before I try it.

OK These guys make knives and are the big names. I don't expect them to write well and I wasn't surprised. However, I was surprised on the print quality. Most of the pictures (which the authors rely on quite heavily) are nearly black. "In photo 14 you can see how to ...." In photo 14 you can't see squat.

Personally I think it's great that these guys are willing to share their methods. It's just a shame that the publisher is not doing them justice.

I also need to warn some readers that these 3 are professionals with professional equipment and professional methods. Some of us are garage knife makers and don't have milling machines. This makes their plans quite a bit harder to implement.

Overall if you want to know how these guys construct their knives, you will get a feel for it. If you already make folding knives, you might get some more ideas. If you want to use this book to learn how to do it, forget it.

Also, as another reviewer pointed out, this book is quite remiss in not covering linerlocks.

I am a knife knut. There are three "make a knife" sections to this book. The authors - Lake, Centofante, and Clay are each well respected knifemakers. For a general idea of what goes into knifemaking this book is about average for the "let's write a book for our fans who aspire to make their own" book. It gives methods that each contributor goes through (learned after painstaking years of trial and error, hands on work). The text gives a pretty good description of each artists work, start to finish. As in most of the books in this price range and size, the pictures are not very helpful.
You will not become a knife maker reading this or any of the books like this one. It does show you how much talent and hardwork and knowledge you need to make just one knife though.

I believe that there are items in this book which are exactly what one is looking for if they would like to learn to make folders. I bought this book at a knife show a long time ago but misplacd it. Now I have enough room to set up a bench and think I will buy another copy and give it a go.

This story has a marvelous set-up and a brilliant ending. I recommend it, and look forward to Villasenor's next effort.

Four minor quibbles: 1. Because Villasenor is more a stylist than a storyteller, problems arise when he strays from the latter altogether. So when the story slows in the middle, the reader is left with the arid space of style for style's sake. 2. The author is overfond of the word "splayed." 3. The stylistic choice to not use quotes sometimes means a brilliant, seamless expression of thought. Sometimes it falls flat and only means more work for the reader. 4. Zach's "making lists" exercise is not concluded satisfactorily.

I have gratitude for this book. Daniel Villasenor
brings the reader deeper into the internal world
of understanding and feelings. He expresses the
strong desire to nuture and love. He reminds me
of a modern James Joyce: these are so-called
broken people who demonstrate a worldly capacity
to know, to love, to care for. The book is free
of devices to engage the reader into an emotional state.
It is real. It is honest.

I found myself unable to put this one down, except when I went to the dictionary to learn a few new words. You'll want to catch the nuances of each word in every sentence here, because the author uses every available word and device to convey a rich, full experience for his readers. Stream-of-consciousness lists, word combinations, extensive vocabulary, and Faulknerian sentences do not make this the easiest read, but the author "owns" these devices and uses them masterfully and judiciously to take the decided reader on a spiritual and thought-provoking journey.

An old, tired theme. That is what this compilation delivers, and delivers and delivers.

While Mr. Keillor's show was moderately entertaining 15 years ago, it has not kept pace with time. Thus, the stories seem to be replayed on an old, stuck phonographic record, replayed over and over.

If you are a big time Keillor fan, you will probably find this work to be an enjoyable distraction while mixing your Metamucal. However, for anyone who can still think clearly, all these staid stories will just make you run for the can.

This is one of the best works of Mr. Keillor and I read them all. Please keep writing it.

Lake Wobegon, U.S.A. is my favorite of all the Prairie Home Companion series. Every performance in this collection was recorded on tour around the country, providing the inevitable reminders of why life outside Lake Wobegon provides more opportunities for instant gratification than one experiences back home. Nowhere has Garrison Keillor more poignantly framed the everyday longings that tug at the secret soul.

The four tapes are entitled Fertility, Patience, Youth and Rhubarb. The tales are about many things, including "the luxury of rhubarb pie, the perils of prophecy, a miserable Thanksgiving, Florian and Myrtle's thrifty vacation, [and] the vapor lights of Our Lady of Perpetual Responsibility."

My personal favorite is the story called Rhubarb, on the tape of the same name. It deftly weaves together Dorothy's rhubarb pie down at the Chatterbox Cafe and Pastor Inqvist's Christmas Eve sermon. How did Mr. Keillor come up with such a funny and moving story out of the longings of stalwart Lake Wobegon denizens for both Christmas services, and rhubarb pie? It could only happen in the place where "all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average." People there always grow up with strong roots, but vaguely (and forever) suspect that they could have done more in life...

You have to hear it for yourself to get it. I always start out laughing, and weep at the end. Go figure. I wish I could do something in this world as well as Mr. Keillor tells a story.